In a recent announcement, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has disclosed his decision to ban American XL Bully dogs, citing a series of alarming attacks as the impetus for this action.
Expressing deep concern, Rishi Sunak emphasized the potential danger posed by American XL Bully dogs to the nation's communities, with a particular emphasis on the well-being of children. The Prime Minister expressed his shared sense of shock and dismay at the distressing videos capturing recent dog attacks.
In a video shared on his official 'X' account, Rishi Sunak stressed that the issue at hand extended beyond merely a few instances of poorly trained dogs, characterizing it as a recurring pattern of behavior that necessitated immediate intervention.
Assuring the public of his government's commitment to addressing these threats promptly, Rishi Sunak revealed that he had directed officials to take critical steps in resolving this issue. He outlined the initial steps, which include definitively identifying the specific breed of dog associated with these attacks, with the ultimate goal of prohibiting it.
Notably, the American XL Bully dog is not presently defined as a breed under current legislation. The Prime Minister indicated his intention to rectify this by banning the breed through the Dangerous Dogs Act. These new regulations are expected to be implemented by the end of the year.
This announcement comes in the aftermath of a string of dog attacks involving American Bully dogs. Over the weekend, an incident in Birmingham resulted in injuries to a girl, as well as two men who attempted to intervene during the attack, according to a report from the Associated Press.
Tragically, just a few days later, a man lost his life due to multiple injuries sustained in an attack by two dogs in Stonnall. These dogs are believed to be American bully XLs, as reported by the BBC.
Advocates and campaigners have been advocating for a ban on this specific breed, which originated from the American pitbull terrier. These dogs are known for their muscular physique and heavier bone structure compared to pit bulls, earning them the moniker "bully breeds." Originally bred for blood sports, they have faced increasing scrutiny and calls for regulation.
It's worth noting that the UK has previously banned four other breeds of dogs, including the pitbull terrier, the Japanese tosa, the dogo Argentino, and the fila Brasileiro.
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